I really wonder what the true extent of George R. R. Martin's involvement is. I don't think he would have changed the story to show Stannis having sex with the Red Priest, or that weird Littlefinger scene.

He actually wrote one of the episodes in season 1. I think he has a relatively active role in the production, compared to what I think other authors have. Also, he used to write for television, so he understands that what works on paper won't necessarily work on film. He talks about it i the commentary of one episode in the season 1 box set, about how in the book, Ghost is completely silent at all times, but they couldn't pull off the effect properly without having him snarl in the show.

He actually wrote one of the episodes in season 1. I think he has a relatively active role in the production, compared to what I think other authors have. Also, he used to write for television, so he understands that what works on paper won't necessarily work on film. He talks about it i the commentary of one episode in the season 1 box set, about how in the book, Ghost is completely silent at all times, but they couldn't pull off the effect properly without having him snarl in the show.

Stannis boning the red priestess. In the book he was such an upright honorable man, almost like Eddard but even more rigid regarding doing what was "right". They even hinted at it when they were composing the letter when he insisted it be corrected to read Sir Jamie Lannister.
Just a nit picky complaint I guess.

It's hinted at in the book that they are sleeping together (mentioned that people suspect they are sharing bed chambers) and it's also suggested that the shadows that she births and sends out to kill Renley and the other Lord being the product of these acts (they resemble stannis)

Jagen' hair isn't red and white
Rorge has a nose
Bronn is head of the gold cloaks WTF?!
Salla is black. I pictured him as mediterranean.
A blood rider dies WTF?!
and the Stannis sex scene was too gratuitous.

First book/season had a fairly tight beginning/middle/end storyline, but from here on out they have to deal with far too many characters and plot points that they can't really cover or EFX that aren't worth paying for. Interesting to see how they handle Tyrion's nose.

I think they made Salla black because the show was lacking in color. There are black characters but most of them are really minor and probably won't make it on the show.
Rakharo died because the actor that played him left. I think he got a bigger role in something else.

First book/season had a fairly tight beginning/middle/end storyline, but from here on out they have to deal with far too many characters and plot points that they can't really cover or EFX that aren't worth paying for. Interesting to see how they handle Tyrion's nose.
lefty

Ethnically faithful to the book or not, I thought the actor who played Salla was perfect. He really nailed the character.

I honestly couldn't remember or care if Sallador Saan was supposed to be black, but he does have a perfect, charming pirate air to him, which is perfect. New favourite side character (since Syrio Forel died)

I honestly couldn't remember or care if Sallador Saan was supposed to be black, but he does have a perfect, charming pirate air to him, which is perfect. New favourite side character (since Syrio Forel died)

The first book made a great miniseries, but I'm very skeptical about the rest of them. At least it's easy to decide what to cut from the second one. But once the number of characters and plot threads explodes, what are they going to do?